A LIFESAVING overdose treatment spray is being issued to 300 police officers across Dumfries and Galloway. 

Pouches containing two intra-nasal Naloxone sprays, plus casualty information cards are being distributed for the first time to all constables, sergeants and inspectors.

Naloxone is an emergency first aid treatment for use in a potentially life-threatening overdose situation.

It works by reversing the respiratory suppression caused by opioids/opiates and can buy the casualty critical minutes until ambulance clinicians arrive on scene.

Shortly after the kits were issued, a Stranraer-based officer used the reversal agent for the first time.

Constable David Packer attended an incident in February where a casualty was showing the typical signs of opioid-related overdose, including pin point pupils, blue lips and shallow breathing, which officers are taught about during Naloxone training.

PC Packer said: “I laid the person on the floor and administered Naloxone before putting them in the recovery position. They began to show signs of recovery after a short time and his breathing rate improved. By the time paramedics arrived he was sitting up and talking to me

READ MORE: Police Scotland becomes first force to issue all officers with Naloxone

“I felt the Naloxone was very effective, and I was confident giving it after completing the training, which was really informative and gave step-by-step instructions. Knowing that it can save a life, I feel it’s a vital tool for police officers to carry and help preserve lives in our communities," he said. 

Police Scotland piloted the carriage and use of Naloxone by its officers in 2021 as part of a public health approach to addressing the country’s drug death rates.

Since officers in Scotland began carrying Naloxone, it has been administered at least 128 times (as of February 23, 2023) with positive outcomes on all but five occasions.

In four out of the five incidents, officers suspected the individual was already deceased, however, they used Naloxone to give the casualty every possible chance at recovery.